Intermediate Session
Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Matthew 28:16-20
Opening Prayer
Let us pray the Glory Be.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The main topic for today is the Holy Trinity. For today's session provide crayons and blank sheets of white paper. To begin, invite the children to draw pictures that show the beauty of creation. Invite volunteers to share their pictures with the large group. Discuss:
• When do you notice the beauty of creation?
• How can you help care for the natural world?
• How is the beauty of creation the work of the Holy Trinity?
Allow time for discussion. We believe that there is one God in three persons-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We call this belief in one God in three Persons the mystery of the Holy Trinity. The beauty of creation is the work of the Holy Trinity.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today, listen to find out about the greatness of God's love.
Read Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• How has God shown love for the chosen people?
• How can God's people show love for God?
• Why is it important for the people to keep God's commandments?
In the gospel today listen to Jesus tell his disciples to go out and spread his gospel.
Read Matthew 28:16-20.
Allow for silence.
• Where does Jesus meet the disciples?
• What does Jesus tell the disciples to do?
• How does Jesus help his friends understand that they will never be alone?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
Today's first reading from the Old Testament reminds the people that God is near. The power of God's love has always been with the people of Israel. Today's passage is attributed to Moses. His words help the people recognize the greatness and generosity of God. In response, the people are called to remain faithful to the covenant.
In today's gospel the disciples meet Jesus on a mountain top. Jesus tells them to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus commissions his followers to carry his gospel to the ends of the world. He tells them that they are not alone. Jesus will always be with them.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why does Jesus tell the disciples to carry his gospel to the ends of the world?
• How do followers of Jesus spread his gospel today?
• How is Jesus always with us?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At baptism we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Catholic teaching describes the Trinity as the central mystery of our Christian faith because it is the mystery of God's very self.
There are important aspects of the teaching on the Trinity. First, the Trinity is One. We do not believe in three Gods, but one God in three persons. Second, we believe that there are three divine Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-who are whole and complete. The person of the Father is distinct from that of the Son, the Son is distinct from the Father, and the Spirit is distinct from the Father and Son. Third, the divine persons of the Trinity are relative to one another. The relationship between them is so close; it unites them as one God.
• What do we believe about the Holy Trinity?
• Who are the three Persons in One God?
• How can we grow in our understanding of the Holy Trinity?
Sacrament Connection
The Church's teaching on the Holy Trinity is so essential to our faith that we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel in Life
As you make the Sign of the Cross this week, pay close attention to the words that speak of the Holy Trinity.
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